Apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance, wherein the present invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly limited to, enabling the unattended, self-actuating, multi-directional adjustment of a water-borne floating dock relative to increases and/or decreases in shoreline water level.

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present nonprovisional patent application claims priority to and the full benefit of provisional patent application entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE ELEVATION AND POSITION OF A FLOATING BODY WITH RESPECT TO WATER LEVEL VARIANCE”, filed on Aug. 14, 2003, having assigned Ser. No. 60/494,966 wherein said application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to floating dock systems, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance. The present invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly limited to, the unattended, self-actuating, multi-directional adjustment of a water-borne floating dock relative to increases and/or decreases in shoreline water level, thereby maintaining the dock at a relatively constant distance therefrom, and preventing beaching or grounding out of the dock in low water level conditions, or abnormal submersion of the dock and/or connecting walkways or piers in high water level conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floating dock systems have typically received favorable and popular use amongst many boat owners in view of conventional fixed dock systems. The popularity of most such floating dock systems is, in large part, attributed to their ability to functionally accommodate for variance in water level by permitting vertical and/or horizontal movement of the dock therewith. As such, the dock is desirably maintained at a relatively constant position and distance from the ever-changing shoreline, a feature and advantage apparently absent from available fixed dock systems.

Additionally, most floating dock systems further resolve functional deficiencies commonly associated with fixed dock systems. In particular, some floating dock systems reduce the potential of dock ground out; that is, when the dock and/or associated flotation devices come to rest on the lake floor. Still others prevent beaching of the dock in low water level conditions, or, additionally, the free and unsecured rampant movement of the dock in high water level conditions, thereby reducing the potential for contact with and/or damage to neighboring docks and/or boats.

Although most available floating dock systems provide the foregoing advantages, such systems possess inherent disadvantages that render their use and/or implementation highly inefficient, impractical and problematic. More specifically, the components, technology and methods often associated with implementation of such systems is unnecessarily and overly complex, cost-prohibitive, and burdensomely laborious.

For instance, some available floating dock systems utilize cables and standoffs to maintain the dock at a relatively constant position from the shoreline, and, although effective, must be manually adjusted each time a variance in water level occurs. Specifically, such systems require the dock owner to continually monitor changes in water level, and accordingly raise or lower the standoffs, and release or take up slack in the cables, to maintain the dock a constant distance from the shore. As such, the dock owner is forced to manually adjust the dock height and position at each change in water level. Such a task can often prove overly burdensome and inconvenient, especially if the dock owner is required to commute an extended distance from his/her main residence to the dock location.

Other available floating dock systems incorporate complex mechanical structures and components that adjust the position of the dock from the shoreline via a sloped guide rail assembly, wherein the base of the dock includes a wheeled or trolley assembly that is engaged and mechanically guided over the rail system to move the dock inward and/or outward from the shore line. Due to the complex structural and construction development requirements needed to implement rail-and-trolley systems, such systems are often cost-prohibitive for the average boat or dock owner. Although simplified, relatively inexpensive versions of the above rail system replace the complex rail assembly with tethers or cables adapted to engage a wheeled dock, such versions are typically not as structurally dependent, and therefore, not as efficient as rail systems in manipulating dock position and elevation with respect to a changing shoreline.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a more cost-efficient and easily implemented apparatus and method that provides for the labor-free, unattended adjustment of the elevation and position of a floating dock relative to increases and/or decreases in shoreline water level, thereby maintaining the dock at a relatively constant distance therefrom.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing an apparatus and method for the unattended, self-actuating, multi-directional adjustment of a water-borne floating body relative to increases and/or decreases in shoreline water level, wherein the present apparatus, in view of available floating docks systems, provides a simpler, more cost-efficient, and more functional design and configuration that facilitates the adaptation of same to existing water-borne docks.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body, such as a dock, walkway, or the like, with respect to water level variance, having, in general, pivotally engaged arms securable to the floating body.

More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance, having structurally rigid first and second pivotal arm assemblies, wherein a first end of each arm assembly is adapted to be anchored to the lake floor, and wherein an opposing or distal second end of each arm assembly is securable to the front or entry side of the floating body. Preferably, each arm assembly includes hinge mechanisms to enable the incremental elevation, lowering and/or change in position of the dock commensurate with changes in water level, thereby maintaining the dock at a relatively constant distance from the changing shoreline. The hinge mechanisms of each arm assembly are preferably limited or restricted from full rotational movement via suitable locking mechanism formed proximal thereto, thereby restricting the overall pivotal movement of each arm assembly to a defined arcuate path. That is, the rotational restrictions placed on hinge mechanisms prevent counter-directional pivoting and/or over-pivoting of the arm assemblies in response to forces generated via strong tidal movement and activity. Additionally, each hinge mechanism is preferably sufficiently frictionally-biased to prevent undesirable wavering or swaying of the arm assemblies thereabout as a result of water current or tides striking against the arm assemblies and/or dock walls. To supply the requisite frictionally-biased movement, the hinge mechanisms are preferably in the form of friction hinges, constant torque hinges, position hinges, clutches, torque hinges, and/or detent hinges; although, other suitable hinge mechanisms are contemplated. It is further contemplated that the hinge mechanisms could be designed to operate with sufficient friction so as to eliminate the utilization of the locking mechanisms for purposes described above.

Although the arm assemblies of the present invention are preferably formed from a non-rusting, rigid material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, durable, lightweight aluminum, titanium, carbon-fiber composites, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced composites, other suitable rigid metals and/or plastics, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that the arm assemblies could incorporate, or be at least partially formed from, coiled springs, leaf springs, flat springs, and/or other tensional or resilient bodies, to assist in absorbing impact associated with general movement of the dock.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to adjust the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to permit the unattended, self-actuating, multi-directional adjustment of a water-borne floating body relative to increases and/or decreases in shoreline water level.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide, in view of available floating docks systems, a simpler, more cost-efficient, and more functional design and configuration that facilitates the adaptation of same to existing water-borne docks and/or other floating bodies.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its incorporation of tensional spring bodies to assist in absorbing impact associated with general dock movement.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be utilized in lakes, ocean ports and/or other water bodies.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its simplicity of design.

Still a further feature and advantage of the present invention is its ease of manufacture.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is an apparatus 10 for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance, and wherein apparatus 10 comprises anchor 20, first arm assembly 40 and second arm assembly 60. For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment herein, and for purposes of facilitating explanation and understanding of same, apparatus 10 is described below in conjunction with or adapted to a water-borne dock; however, it should be recognized that apparatus 10 could be adapted to other floating bodies, such as, for exemplary purposes only, floating walkways, floating piers, wharfs, multi-pier docks, boats, boat homes, floating homes, and the like.

Specifically, anchor 20 is in the form of a substantially elongated base member 22 firmly entrenched in lake floor L, wherein base member 22 functions to weight down first and second arm assemblies 40 and 60, respectively, and attached floating dock D, as more fully described below. To provide base member 22 with the requisite anchoring weight, base member 22 is preferably formed from a suitably sized slab of concrete or metal material of sufficient weight to resist shifting or movement as a result of underwater currents, forces, and the like, and/or external or foreign objects impacting, pulling and/or pushing thereagainst, such as, drift wood, rope, or other large debris. To facilitate the secured and stationary seating of base member 22 on lake floor L, it is contemplated that base member 22 could be further appropriately staked, tied, or otherwise attached thereto. Additionally, although anchor 20 is preferably in the form of base member 22, it is contemplated that anchor 20 could be any other suitable anchoring or securing mechanism, such as, for exemplary purposes only, stakes, ties, individual base members, or the like.

Preferably, first and second arm assemblies 40 and 60, respectively, extend from, and are securely hinged to, recessed area 22 a of base member 22, wherein first and second arm assemblies 40 and 60, respectively, are formed from a structurally rigid, durable, lightweight and non-rusting substrate, such as, for exemplary purposes only, aluminum, titanium, carbon-fiber composites, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced composites, and/or other suitable rigid metals and/or plastics.

To facilitate the multi-directional elevation and/or positioning of floating dock D, and any attached floating walkway W, relative to variances in water level, first and second arm assemblies 40 and 60, respectively, are preferably segmented and hinged about each segment. Specifically, first arm assembly 40 preferably comprises lower segment 42 having first and second ends 42 a and 42 b, respectively, and upper segment 44 having first and second ends 44 a and 44 b, respectively. Preferably, first end 42 a of lower segment 42 is pivotally connected to base member 22 via hinge mechanism 100, wherein second end 42 b of lower segment 42 is pivotally connected to first end 44 a of upper segment 44 via hinge mechanism 102. Second end 44 b of upper segment 44 is preferably pivotally connected to entry or front side F of dock D via hinge mechanism 104, and more particularly in a location that does not interfere and/or obstruct with the general docking or undocking of boat B, such as, for exemplary purposes only, the frontal portion, rear wall, sidewalls and/or underside thereof.

Similar in structure and function to first arm assembly 40, second arm assembly 60 preferably comprises lower segment 62 having first and second ends 62 a and 62 b, respectively, and upper segment 64 having first and second ends 64 a and 64 b, respectively. Preferably, first end 62 a of lower segment 62 is pivotally connected to base member 22 via hinge mechanism 106, wherein second end 62 b of lower segment 62 is pivotally connected to first end 64 a of upper segment 64 via hinge mechanism 108. Second end 64 b of upper segment 64 is also preferably pivotally connected to entry or front side F of dock D via hinge mechanism 110, and more particularly in a location that does not interfere and/or obstruct with the general docking or undocking of boat B, such as, for exemplary purposes only, the frontal portion, rear wall, sidewalls and/or underside thereof. Logically, it is contemplated that second end 64 b of upper segment 64 be pivotally connected to dock D in a location substantially mirrored or reciprocal to the site of pivotal connection of second end 44 b of upper segment 44 of first arm assembly 40, thereby reducing the unbalanced elevational movement and/or positional displacement of dock D when apparatus 10 is operatively implemented in response to water level variance, as more fully described below.

Although arm assemblies 40 and 60 are preferably structurally bi-segmental, it is recognized that arm assemblies 40 and 60 could incorporate any selected number of segments and/or hinge mechanisms, or, alternatively, could posses a rigid, non-segmented construction. It is further contemplated that apparatus 10 could incorporate any number of arm assemblies according to a preferred or alternate embodiment thereof so as to facilitate elevational and positional adjustment of dock D. It is still further contemplated that apparatus 10 could utilize a single Y-shaped or bifurcated arm assembly, wherein the branched ends thereof could be pivotally connected to dock D.

Preferably, hinge mechanisms 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60 enable the unattended, incremental elevation, lowering and/or change in position of dock D commensurate with changes in water level, thereby maintaining dock D, and any attached floating walkway W, at a relatively constant distance from the changing shoreline. To facilitate the smooth and controlled transitional pivotal movement of arm assemblies 40 and 60 in response to water level variances and associated elevational and/or positional changes of attached dock D, hinge mechanisms 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are preferably sufficiently frictionally-biased, and, as such, additionally prevent undesirable wavering or swaying of arm assemblies 40 and 60 thereabout as a result of water current or tides striking against arm assemblies 40 and 60 and/or the walls of dock D.

To supply the requisite frictionally-biased movement, hinge mechanisms 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are preferably in the form of any suitable friction hinge, constant torque hinge, position hinge, clutch, torque hinge, and/or detent hinge; although, other suitable hinge mechanisms could be utilized. Additionally, although friction-based hinge mechanisms 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are preferably utilized for the controlled pivotal movement of arm assemblies 40 and 60, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that other suitable controlled, pivot-inducing mechanisms could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, hydraulic assemblies, pneumatic assemblies, air or fluid brake assemblies, controlled-torque assemblies, and/or other suitable resistance and/or pressurized mechanisms. It is further contemplated that non-frictional hinge mechanisms could also be utilized.

Preferably, hinge mechanisms 102 and 108 of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60 are limited or restricted from full rotational movement via limit stops 150 and 152 integrally formed with, and/or attached to, respective lower segments 42 and 62 of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60, proximal second ends 42 b and 62 b thereof. Limit stops 150 and 152 are preferably in the form of triangular-shaped blocks that preferably limit the upward rotational movement of upper segments 44 and 64 to an approximately 90 degree angle to lower segments 42 and 62, respectively. As more fully described below, and as best illustrated in FIG. 3, subsequent elevational increases in water level WL result in pivotal extension of lower segments 42 and 62 about respective hinge mechanisms 100 and 106, and respective hinge mechanisms 102 and 108, thereby resulting in alignment of upper segments 44 and 64 with lower segments 42 and 62, respectively, in a substantially perpendicular configuration to lake floor L. As such, limit stops 150 and 152 preferably restrict the overall pivotal movement of each arm assembly 40 and 60, and more specifically upper segments 44 and 64 thereof, to a defined arcuate path and position. Additionally, lower segments 42 and 62 of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60 are limited in rotational movement via sidewall 22 b of recessed area 22 a of base member 22, as best illustrated in FIG. 3 referenced below. Preferably, the rotational restrictions placed on hinge mechanisms 100, 102, 106 and 108 prevent counter-directional pivoting and/or over-pivoting of arm assemblies 40 and 60 in response to forces generated via strong tidal movement and activity, and as such, functionally assist in maintaining dock D, and any attached floating walkway W, at a relatively constant distance from the changing shoreline. It is contemplated that the rotational movement of hinge mechanisms 104 and 110 could also be limited or restricted. It is further contemplated that additional limit stops or other pivotally limiting devices could be employed to further limit or regulate the rotational movement of arm assemblies 40 and 60. It is also contemplated that hinge mechanisms 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 could be designed to operate with sufficient friction so as to eliminate the utilization of limit stops or other similar devices. It is still further contemplated that hinge mechanisms 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 could be freely rotational and unobstructed from any rotationally limiting and/or locking mechanisms. Although limit stops 150 and 152 are preferably in the form of triangular blocks, other suitable pivotally limiting mechanisms could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, extensions, brackets, levers, spring-biased mechanisms, other suitable limits, stops, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, illustrated therein is apparatus 10 depicting arm assemblies 40 and 60 in various select positions of a plurality of positions, all of which are dependent upon the water level WL and the associated upward buoyant force imparted thereby unto dock D. As such, an elevational increase in water level WL preferably results in the upwardly pivotal, and incrementally proportionate, movement of arm assemblies 40 and 60, and attached dock D, wherein dock D is accordingly positionally displaced closer or inwardly toward the shoreline to maintain a constant distance therewith. Similarly, an elevational decrease in water level WL preferably results in the downwardly pivotal, and decrementally proportionate, movement of arm assemblies 40 and 60, and attached dock D, wherein dock D is accordingly positionally displaced farther or outwardly away from the shoreline to maintain a constant distance therewith. Preferably, upper segments 44 and 64 of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60 are pivotally displaced before the pivotal displacement or movement of lower segments 42 and 62 in response to elevational increase in water level WL; however, it is contemplated that upper segments 44 and 64, and lower segments 42 and 62, of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60 could be pivotally displaced simultaneously, separately, or otherwise, depending upon the mechanics, friction and type of hinge mechanisms utilized, and/or the overall weight and structure of arm assemblies 40 and 60, and/or selected segments thereof.

Preferably, FIGS. 2-3 collectively illustrate an incremental elevation in water level WL and, as such, a corresponding progressive change in elevation and position of dock D relative to shoreline SL effectuated without the necessity of human interaction or presence. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that implementation of apparatus 10 preferably enables the unattended, self-actuating, multi-directional adjustment of a water-borne floating dock D relative to increases and/or decreases in shoreline water level.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of apparatus 10, wherein the alternate embodiment of FIG. 4 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 4 replaces upper segments 44 and 64 of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60 with coiled springs 200 and 202, wherein coiled springs 200 and 202 functionally assist in absorbing impact associated with general elevational and positional changes and/or movements of dock D. It is contemplated that lower segements 42 and 62 of respective arm assemblies 40 and 60 could be replaced with coiled springs, instead of the foregoing alternate arrangement. It is further contemplated in an alternate embodiment that arm assemblies 40 and 60 could be entirely, or at least partially, formed from, and/or have interspersed therethrough, coiled springs, leaf springs, flat springs, and/or other tensional or resilient bodies.

It is contemplated in still another alternate embodiment that arm assemblies 40 and 60 could be at least partially telescopic, or, alternatively, could incorporate telescopic segments having inner spring systems to enable absorption of impact imparted thereagainst via water current and/or general movement of apparatus 10 or dock D.

It is contemplated in still a further alternate embodiment that the preferred and/or selected alternate embodiments of the present invention could be adapted to any suitable floating body to enable the unattended, labor-free elevational and positional adjustment thereof, wherein such floating bodies may include, although not strictly limited to, floating walkways, floating piers, wharfs, multi-pier docks, boats, boat homes, floating homes, and the like.

It is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment that the preferred and/or selected alternate embodiments of the present invention could incorporate arm assemblies having terminal ends adapted to be removably securable to the selected floating body, thereby facilitating the removable attachment of same to floating bodies such as boat homes or the like. Such devices that might facilitate the removably securable nature of the foregoing alternate embodiment could include, but are not limited to, magnets, suction devices, clamps, retaining pins, locking devices, locking clamps, lock-ball devices, hitches, locking hitches, tethers, clasps, straps, belts, hooks, hook-and-bracket devices, and/or the like.

It is contemplated in yet a further alternate embodiment that the preferred and/or selected alternate embodiments of the present invention could incorporate water-sealed and/or corrosion-proof materials to prevent premature functional and structural degradation of same, such as, for exemplary purposes only, coated, rubberized, and/or booted materials.

It is contemplated in yet still another alternate embodiment that the preferred and/or selected alternate embodiments of the present invention could incorporate supporting or securing tethers, cables, or the like, extending from dock D to the shoreline or other land-based object or item, thereby securing dock D thereto.

It is contemplated in yet still a further alternate embodiment that the preferred and/or selected alternate embodiments of the present invention could be electronically and/or remotely actuated.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance, said apparatus comprising: at least one pivotal arm extending from at least one anchored base to the floating body, wherein variance in the water level results in pivotal actuation of said at least one pivotal arm.
 2. A method for effectuating the unattended, self-actuating, multi-directional adjustment of a water-borne floating body relative to increases and/or decreases in water level and shoreline position, comprising the steps of: a. removably securing at least one pivotal arm to the floating body, said at least one pivotal arm secured to at least one anchored base; and b. permitting the unattended pivotal actuation of said at least one pivotal arm in response to variance in the water level. 